57 19. Drill Team - Oregon High School Equestrian Team

19. Drill Team
19.1. Freestyle Fours - Teams with four riders
19.2. Freestyle 6+ - Teams with 6 or more riders
19.3. Required:
19.3.1. Drill team may be ridden with English or Western Equipment.
19.3.1.1. Attire must conform to the discipline of equipment used.
19.3.1.2. Athletes from a school participating in a team event must
be of the same discipline including the same color shirt for
uniformity.
19.3.2. Equipment should be clean, in good working order and safe.
19.3.3. Bridles must be worn
19.4. Optional
19.4.1. Hackamore
19.4.2. Standing Martingales and tie downs (attached to/or under a
breast collar)
19.4.3. Running Martingales with Rein Stops.
19.4.3.1. Rein Stops (rubber or leather stops slipped onto the rein
between the bit and the ring of the martingale) are required
on Running Martingales.
19.4.4. Protective boot, leg wraps and bandages
19.4.5. ½ Chaps & Leggings
19.4.6. Nose bands
19.4.7. Ribbons, glitter and sparkles on equine
19.4.8. Side Pulls
19.4.9. Gag Bits
19.5. Prohibited:
19.5.1. Wire chin straps, regardless of how padded or covered
19.5.2. Decoration/costuming of athlete uniform.
19.5.3. Any chin strap narrower than ½ inch
19.5.4. Draw reins
19.5.5. Jerk lines
19.5.6. Tack collars
19.5.7. Chaps & chinks
19.5.8. Sunglasses
19.5.9. Skirts (sidesaddle)
19.5.10. Bit Converters, A device used on pelham bits to change them
from two-rein bits to one-rein bits. It is a leather strap that
attaches from the snaffle ring to the curb ring, onto which the rein
is then attached to the loop made between the two rings
19.6. Judges
19.6.1. Three (3) Judges are recommended, but not required at District
level.
19.6.2. Four (4) Judges will be used at State.
19.6.3. If there is equipment failure that is considered to be a safety
hazard, the judge may call a time out.
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19.6.3.1. Official time will be stopped at the judge’s signal.
19.6.3.2. Time will resume at the signal of the team captain, time
will continue from the point it was stopped
19.7. General Drill Rules
19.7.1. Position in the event schedule will be determined by the event
chairman or committee.
19.7.2. All equines will be serviceably sound and in good condition.
Any equines showing signs of lameness or unsoundness will not
be allowed to compete.
19.7.3. Drill team coaches or other athletes will not be allowed in the
arena while their team is competing. Coaching or encouraging
from outside the arena is permissible.
19.7.4. During drill competition only equines involved in the
performance will be allowed in the arena.
19.7.5. During assigned practice periods only the equine in the drill
activity will be allowed in the arena.
19.7.6. During practice only coaching staff will be allowed in the arena
on foot. All athletes must be mounted.
19.7.7. There is a time limit of 4 to 6 minutes per team to perform a
drill
19.7.7.1. Times for length of each drill performance will be
recorded on the official scorecard.
19.7.7.2. Time scores are to be taken by official timers and reported
to the judges.
19.7.7.3. Time starts when the first rider enters the arena and stops
when the last rider leaves the arena.
19.8. American Flag Protocol
19.8.1. Standard per Public Law 94.344 use of the United States Flag:
19.8.1.1. The Flag should never be carried flat or horizontal, but
always aloft and free.
19.8.1.2. The U.S. Flag should not be dipped to any person or
thing.
19.8.1.3. Regimental colors, state, city, organizational or other
flags are dipped as a mark of honor.
19.8.1.4. Do not let the Flag of the United States touch anything
beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water or merchandise.
19.8.1.5. The United States flag should always be the first in, and
the first out, of the arena
19.8.1.6. The United States Flag should always be carried in front
of all other flags.
19.8.1.7. The United States Flag should always be carried on the
right side of a company front.
19.9. Musical Accompaniment
19.9.1. Teams may ride to music for the purpose of crowd appeal.

19.9.2. Should the music stop or there be interruption or malfunctions,
the drill shall continue without music.
19.10. Teams
19.10.1. Schools are allowed to field as many drill teams as they would
like.
19.10.1.1. Only the highest place team for each high school in a
team event will count toward meet team points from either
6’s or 4’s, but not both.
19.10.1.2. Before a large team can field a second Freestyle Fours
team, they must field a Freestyle 6+ drill.
19.10.2. Athletes can only compete in one (1) drill for any team at each
competition.
19.10.3. Horses may be used in one 4s performance and one 6+
performance at the same meet.
19.10.4. Rules for listing team members and alternates will follow
guidelines as in all other team events.
19.10.5. Teams cannot switch from one drill event to the other
after they have made a commitment or they shall forfeit all
accumulated points.
19.11. Freestyle 6+
19.11.1. Extenuating circumstances may allow teams competing in the
Freestyle 6+ division to ride with less than six (6) athletes in
District/State Competitions.
19.11.1.1. It may be considered an extenuating circumstance
if an equine or athlete is injured or ill and there is no
replacement.
19.11.1.2. The Stewardship Committee shall determine if a
situation falls under this rule, and must grant permission
before the team rides.
19.12. Freestyle Fours
19.12.1. Shall consist of no less than four athletes.
19.12.2. Extenuating circumstances may allow teams competing in the
Working Fours to ride with less than four (4) athletes in District/
State Competitions.
19.12.2.1. It may be considered an extenuating circumstance
if an equine or athlete is injured or ill and there is no
replacement.
19.12.2.2. The Stewardship Committee shall determine if a
situation falls under this rule, and must grant permission
before the team rides.
19.13. Maneuvers
19.13.1. A list of drill maneuvers and drill design sheets are available
on the OHSET web site www.ohset.com
19.13.1.1. Design sheets are optional for team use only, and do not
have to be submitted to the judges.
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19.13.2. Drills are to be “Freestyle”
19.13.2.1. Teams may choose maneuvers from any source and/or
make up their own.
19.13.2.2. There are no required maneuvers or any required
number of maneuvers which must be included in drills.
19.13.3. Teams may begin to design their drills after October 1st.
19.13.3.1. Teams may not practice drill with or without an equine
until December 1.
19.14. Drill Team Judging Guidelines
19.14.1. Execution of Drill
19.14.1.1. Spacing
Maintaining a uniform distance between all equines
throughout an entire maneuver. Distance may be varied as
long as it is equal.
19.14.1.2. Alignment/Accuracy
Vertical and horizontal alignment in maneuvers of a
team. Lines should always be straight whether in squads,
columns, company front, etc.
19.14.1.3. Timing/ Coordination
How athletes work together in the performance of their
maneuvers. There are no missed holes, collisions, etc.
A team should move as a unit and be smooth in its
maneuvers. This includes the ability of the team to
foresee the necessity to adjust its speed to the maneuver
without breaking gait. Both spacing and gait are to be
maintained. The team will be penalized for loss of gait
unless change of pace is obviously a part of the maneuver
19.14.1.4. Briskness
Precise execution, alertness, and overall attitude of the
team. Not to be confused with speed.
19.14.2. Equine Manners, Performance
19.14.2.1. Performance
Faults include broken gaits (jogging during the loping
phase or loping during the trotting phase). Consider way
of going and suitability as a drill equine.
19.14.2.2. Manners
Equines are expected to be responsive, quiet and obedient.
Faults include blowup, striking or biting, kicking, bucking.
Pinning ears or active tail should not be judged for equine
manners. Equines should not jump or shy and should
work freely and easily at all times. They should stand
quietly and straight in line and not move until the signal is
given.

19.14.3. Originality, Variety, Attractiveness
Original patterns or methods of presentation, attractiveness of
pattern, symmetry and definition of maneuvers. Continuity, or
how one maneuver leads to another. Variety of maneuvers. The
patterns should not be all circles or all lines. A team moving
from one maneuver to another without repeating should receive
credit for variety.
19.14.4. Spectacuarity/Crowd Appeal
Placement of maneuvers in arena for maximum audience
enjoyment. Music that is suitable for the drill in both theme
and tempo; flag presentation shall include manner in which the
flags are carried. The shafts shall be perpendicular with forearm
parallel to the ground. Elbows should be fixed at a right angle;
the emblem should be pointed forward. Flags should be kept free
and not allowed to wind around the pole.
19.14.5. Degree of Difficulty
Elements that may increase the degree of difficulty in a drill
include increase in tempo, gait at which the maneuvers are
performed, the use of flags, limited use of set up maneuvers, and
spacing.
19.14.6. General Impression
19.14.6.1. Uniformity equine/equipment
Equipment shall be of like style. Saddles, bits, bridles and
use of tie downs are not required to be identical within a
team. Breast collar, saddle pad covers, girth cover, leg
bands, flag/pennant and poles should be uniform.
19.14.6.2. Horsemanship
Good equitation/horsemanship with balanced seat shall
be emphasized. Two hands are permitted on the reins
for English or Western, one hand is preferred, but not
required. Ridden correctly one hand should score higher
than two hands. There should be light contact without
undue restraint on the reins; proper use of hands and legs
and correct leads shall be evaluated. Degree of difficulty is
evaluated to determine quality of horsemanship.
19.15. Explanation of Point Value Deductions
19.15.1. Broken or Dropped Equipment, Tack or Uniforms
Twenty points (-20) for each occurrence. Shall include helmets,
leg bands, pennants, flags, tail bows or anything that has fallen to
the ground or broken in such a manner to necessitate stopping to
repair it. The Captain/Co-Captain can call time. Time will stop
and start on Captain/Co-Captain’s signal.
19.15.2. Collision, No Fall of Equine or Rider
Twenty five points (-25) for each occurrence. Shall be deemed
to be any physical contact between two or more equine, two or
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more athletes, or equine and athlete with a wall or gate which
does not result in a fall. (Only the Captain/Co-Captain can call
time. Time will stop and start on Captain/Co-Captain signal).
19.15.3. Excessive/Uncontrolled Speed.
Twenty Five points (-25) for each occurrence. Riders will be
considered to have excessive/uncontrolled speed if athlete loses
control or a severe loss of precision due to speed.
19.15.4. Fall of Equine and/or Athlete, No collision
Thirty points (-30) for each occurrence. A team will be able
to halt, regroup and restart as soon as equine and athlete are
in position. Same rules for restart as fall due to collision. If a
flag athlete falls only the fall of equine and or athlete will be
deducted, not the dropped flag. (Only the Captain/Co-Captain
can call time. Time will stop and start on Captain/Co-Captain
signal.
19.15.5. Fall Due to Collision
Fifty points (-50) for each occurrence. Shall be deemed to be
any physical contact between two or more equine, two or more
athletes, or equine and athlete with a wall or gate, which results
in a fall. If equine or athlete is unable to continue, a substitute
equine and/or athlete will be allowed to fill the position. The
position may remain empty. Only the Captain/Co-Captain can
call time. Time will stop and start on Captain/Co-captain signal.
19.15.6. Re Group
Twenty five points (-25) for each occurrence. May be done
when a team has lost its organization and or athletes must change
position to be able to continue. Extenuating circumstances such
as severe tack breakage, fall of equines and or athlete, or medical
emergency which results in the team unable to continue, they
may ask the senior judge for permission to leave the arena and
return at the end of the draw. Time and deductions will remain
official; time keeper will record time when performance is
stopped by Captain/Co-captain and start time when Captain /Cocaptain
signals to commence the performance.
19.15.7. Time (4 to 6 minutes):
Twenty five point deduction (-25) for each occurrence under or
over the allotted time.
19.15.7.1. Timing starts when the first athlete passes through the
entry gate and/or cones arking entrance and stops when the
last athlete crosses the exit gate and/or cones.
19.15.7.2. An official timekeeper will enforce this rule. Only the
Captain/Co-captain can call time. Time will stop and start
on Captain/Co-captain signal.

19.16. Disqualification
There shall be no disqualification of any drill performance except for
the use of prohibited equipment, illegal use of permitted equipment,
uniform violations and/or cruelty/abuse, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
19.17. Alternate Guidelines
19.17.1. If a school intends to field only one drill team, they still must
name the alternates that may possibly compete this season, “drill
alternate pool.” (Listing all other competing athletes for the
school as alternates is OK).
19.17.1.1. The alternate pool must be named before the first meet.
19.17.2. In Drill Teams (Freestyle Fours and Freestyle 6+), there will
be unlimited potential use of alternate pool.
19.17.2.1. A school may pull 1,2,3,4 or more riders out of the “drill
alternate pool” during the season as needed.
19.17.2.2. In Drill, once an alternate is pulled from the “drill
alternate pool” (i.e., used in a competition), that alternate
may ride only on that specific drill team, and no other drill
team (in competition) for the season.
19.17.3. EXAMPLE #1: 12 competing athletes in a school, and the
school only fields one drill team - a Freestyle 6+. Names 6
primary riders to the drill team, and can name the remainder of
the school’s competing athletes (6) to their Drill Alternate Pool.
Any combination of riders from the original named 6 or from
the original named Drill Alternate Pool may ride in competition
at any of this season’s meets. Again, when a rider is pulled from
their Drill Alternate Pool, the school’s advisor/coach MUST
notify the meet office, in writing, BEFORE that Drill Team
competes at that meet.
19.17.4. EXAMPLE #2: 20 competing athletes in a school, and the
school fields 2 drill teams, one short program and one working
4s. The school names 4 primary riders to the Freestyle Fours
team and 6 primary riders to the Freestyle 6+ team. That leaves
6 riders left that can be named to the Drill Alternate Pool. When
a member of the alternate pool is pulled and competes for one
of the drill teams, they are then a part of that team, for the
remainder of the season, are no longer in the alternate pool, and
may not compete with the other drill team. Their Drill Alternate
Pool has now dropped to 5. Those five remaining members in
the Drill Alternate Pool are eligible to compete for either drill
team at any competition.
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FREESTYLE DRILL SCORE SHEET FOURS 6+
High School: ____________________________
Team: _______________
Date: ___________________ District: _________________________
EXECUTION OF DRILL (350)
Spacing 100
Alignment 100
Timing & Coordination 100
Briskness 50
GENERAL COMMENTS
Execution of Drill: TOTAL 350
HORSES (150)
Performance 100
Manners 25
Horsmanship 25
Horses: TOTAL 150
ORIGINALITY, VARIETY, ATTRACTIVENESS 30
SPECTACULARITY, CROWD APPEAL 30
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY 100
SUB TOTAL (660)
DEDUCTIONS
Broken Tack, Dropped Flag -20
Fall of Horse and/or Rider
From Collision -50
No Collision -30
Re Group, (each occurrence) -25
Excessive or Uncontrolled Speed
(each occurrence) -25
Over/Under Time Limit (4-6 Minutes)
(per each full or portion of a minute) -25
Collision (no fall) -25
TOTAL DEDUCTIONS
-
FINAL SCORE
Judge: ______________________________
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Revised: 10.25.12